I want to run my routine one more time and then get off this ice.
I land the first jump and it’s a tiny bit crooked.
That has never happened before.
I blame him entirely.
10
Chapter 10
ELIDA
The team arrives for the coaching session which Calloway runs while I stand at the boards and watch.
Before he starts, he mentions the away game next Saturday.
“Ridgewood, Saturday. Away. And I’m told there’ll be some scouts in the building.”
I glance at Russo. Something moves across his face - there and gone in less than a second.
I can almost feel what he’s experiencing.
I know his best friend got scouted not too long ago - but not him. And I also know this is his last year in college. His last year as captain.
The rink door opens.
Skelly comes through it with that easy, unhurried walk, and Calloway raises a hand in acknowledgment and says something to the group about a quick meeting.
“Elida - can you take over for fifteen?”
“Of course.”
Skelly catches my eye from across the rink and smiles.
I smile back then step onto the ice.
“Edge progressions,” I say. “Full rink. Both directions. You know the drill.”
They push off. It’s a good session - they’re sharp this morning.
Except Russo.
He’s running the drills but he’s somewhere else. The crossover sequence that’s been improving week on week is off today, the weight dropping back, the old habit creeping in. I say his name once and he corrects it but five minutes later it’s back.
I leave it.
I know why he’s off and pointing at it won’t help.
Calloway comes back after fifteen minutes and watches for a moment.
“Russo, stay behind with Eriksson again today.”
He nods tightly, and I can see he hates being singled out again.
Calloway takes the session back seamlessly and I step off the ice. Skelly is already making his way up into the stands and tilts his head in an invitation. I follow him up.
We sit a few rows back. Below us the session continues - Calloway is introducing a cross-ice drill - three by three.
